Barrington Hills police vow to catch home invaders

It may take a while, but Barrington Hills Village President Robert Abboud is confident authorities will catch the men who broke into a home, robbed its occupants at gunpoint and then bound and gagged them while removing cash, jewelry and electronic equipment.

Abboud said he is confident the perpetrators will be tracked down, although it might take some time. He said Sunday the village is working with the Illinois State Police crime lab.

"I wouldn't expect a resolution any time soon, but we will get these guys. We will hunt them down," he said.

Barrington Hills police responded to a panic alarm at the residence at 2:24 a.m. Saturday. Officers were told at least three men gained entry through an open basement window. No one was injured during the incident.

Police did not release the address where the incident occurred.

Barrington Hills Police Sgt. David Kann said Sunday, "We are intensely working the investigation," but could offer no additional details. He did, however, advise residents to keep doors and windows locked when not at home or at night. He also urged them to make sure their alarms are set at night, even when at home, and report any suspicious activity.

Abboud pointed out that a worldwide search was conducted for Peter Hommerson, who murdered a Barrington Hills couple in 1996 and burned down their house, before fleeing to Mexico. After eluding justice for nine years, he was recognized on an episode of "America's Most Wanted" and sentenced to life in prison in April.

Abboud also urged residents to set their alarms, even when they are home.

"We may get a few extra false alarms. I don't have a problem processing those," he said.

Abboud added that while Barrington Hills is a big village - 30 square miles - the police department is continuing to increase patrols.

Barrington Hills, around the intersection of Lake-Cook and Bateman roads, is an area of undulating two-lane roads, huge tracts of wooded land and generously apportioned homes reached by long private drives fronted by "no trespassing" signs and, in some cases, closed gates.

You are just likely to find a horse as a car here. What you are not likely to find is a lot of crime.

Residents were concerned in the wake of incident. One resident, who did not want to be identified, said police are doing a good job of keeping an eye on the area.

Michael Hayes, whose family lives off Lake-Cook Road, said he received an automated call from Barrington Hills police informing him of the incident.

He said several homes in the area would be targeted because of the wealth of their occupants.

Hayes added that his family is being cautious, with a dog providing a deterrent.

Hayes said that if his home, which is adjacent to a major highway, were attacked, an offender would probably be quickly apprehended. But on the ancillary roads, "The remoteness probably helps the criminals, I would think. Somebody could stash a car, make their way through the woods and after the robbery easily get away without being detected," he said.

"If you do your homework, you figure out how to stash the car and go through the woods. Who is going to find you on foot?" Hayes added.

Abboud said a large, remote, complex home is a difficult target for a burglar, because there are too many variables.

"You don't have a good escape path. Many of the roads in Barrington Hills are dead-end streets. If someone becomes aware of your presence, you have no way out," he said.

Barrington Hills police are asking anyone with information to contact the Investigations Division at (847) 551-3006.